InterContinental New York Barclay Launches Luxury Scent To Celebrate 100 Years Of Heritage

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The InterContinental® New York Barclay Hotel, a member of IHG’s family of hotels, has unveiled its first custom scent with Caswell-Massey. This signature fragrance, Barclay 1926, celebrates the history of the hotel, and brings to life the art of modern sophistication and the glamour of New York City. This partnership captures and provides guests with a sensory experience using the highest quality, naturally derived ingredients. The scents help to heighten the guest experience while paying homage to the heritage of the two companies.

The collaboration reunites two distinguished New York institutions with a shared legacy dating back to 1926, when Caswell-Massey became the first tenant of The Barclay. After 100 years, the two iconic names have joined forces once again to honour their enduring relationship through a fragrance inspired by the hotel’s heritage, refined character and century-long tradition of exceptional hospitality.

Barclay 1926 captures the timeless sophistication of InterContinental New York Barclay through a carefully crafted blend of citrus and aromatic notes. The fragrance begins with vibrant layers of freshly peeled lemon and bitter orange, followed by a distinctive heart featuring fig, matcha and black pepper. The scent then develops into a warm finish of sun-drenched honey, paying tribute to the hotel’s rooftop apiary and its commitment to unique guest experiences.

“As we continue our Journey to 100, Barclay 1926 celebrates the remarkable history shared by InterContinental New York Barclay and Caswell-Massey while capturing the spirit of the hotel today,” said Sofia L. Vandaele, General Manager and Regional Director of Operations. “This collaboration honors our past through a sensory experience that feels sophisticated, distinctive and deeply connected to the hotel as we look ahead to our next century.”

Barclay 1926 represents the fifth and final element of InterContinental New York Barclay’s “Journey to 100” celebration, highlighting the sense of smell and completing the hotel’s year-long multisensory tribute to its centenary milestone. The fragrance brings the celebration to a memorable conclusion by adding a new sensory dimension to the hotel’s century-old story.

Throughout the anniversary year, InterContinental New York Barclay has created a series of experiences designed to showcase different moments from its remarkable history. Guests have been invited to explore the hotel’s legacy through The Parlour Through the Decades, a special culinary programme featuring dishes and cocktails inspired by significant eras from the property’s past.

The celebration has also included The Barclay Times, a feature dedicated to sharing memorable events and stories from the hotel’s history, along with a specially curated Journey to 100 playlist highlighting the music and cultural moments that shaped each decade. In addition, guests have been able to join the centennial festivities through a dedicated hotel package offering an immersive overnight experience.

Together, these initiatives honour the InterContinental New York Barclay’s rich connection with New York while celebrating its future journey. The launch of Barclay 1926 provides guests with another way to experience the hotel’s heritage, creating a lasting tribute to two historic brands that have remained connected to the city’s cultural and hospitality landscape for a century.